I am a single parent to an only child, she finds it hard to communicate and talk to other adults and older children, anyone got ideas of how I can get her to open up?

Lisa - posted on 05/16/2012

Thanks Ann, I have now worked with her school and we have a plan and reward chart in place, which is encouraging her to say hello and goodbye to people. I have changed things at home as well cos what ever she wanted she just went and got now she has to ask me for what she wants. My friends are helping loads as well by inviting for tea after school etc so she gets use to being a way from me which is encouraging her to speak for herself.

Ann - posted on 05/16/2012

My son did really well last summer when I took him to the park - every day! It took awhile - first we went & he was so shy he'd only sit on the bench but I didn't push it. We'd just sit there for 15 min. then leave. After awhile he asked me to walk with him to where the kids were playing & he'd mostly stand there. After that he'd go by himself & after another while he'd start to play with the other kids.
Problem - there was winter, ugh. Now we're back to square one. Park here we come.

Lisa - posted on 04/26/2012

The best way to explain how she is, is people have it comes across as she is ignorant

Lisa - posted on 04/26/2012

Hey Louise she is 5 years old and before she started school we went to the mum's and tots groups, she has always been the same she is shy and I know that, she is like 2 different children cos when it is just the 2 of us she is very confident but when we are with other people she withdraws into her self, she is even like that with her dad. I want to change it all so she is more outgoing. Her teacher at school has said she is fine, openly plays with the other children and talks to the teachers but is uncomfortable in group situations at school. Ginger thanks for you response, we do all of the flash cards etc, its like I say she is my little chatterbox with me but with adults and older children she just doesn't talk.

Ginger - posted on 04/26/2012

Let her watch educational t.v. programs that are age appropriate. I know watch t.v. sounds ridiculous, but hearing clear speach can help her strengthen her vocabulary. Being in daycare the other kids probably don't talk very clearly either and probably talk to each other in baby talk so hearing more speach about topics she understands may help. My sister had a short tounge and didn't talk for a long time because she was embarassed. Try doing those abc flash cards with her when she is excited and in the mood to learn them. Start with the pictures and tell her what they are, then go through the pics and see which ones she can name. MAke sure to pronounce the words slowly and sharply so she gets the sounds. Put more emphasis on the ones she gets write than trying to correct what she misses until she gets the magority right. Then move on to the letters once she can name all the pictures well. Pointing out objects she learns about in real life helps too. These are all things advised to me by teachers. So I hope it helps.

Louise - posted on 04/25/2012

You do not say how old she is? If she is a preschooler then go to mums and tots groups together. If she can see you talking freely with other people she will be more inclined to do it to. Clap and sing groups are good to. Sitting in a circle singing nursery rhymes with children her own age helps her to project her voice without being noticed.